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Atlet’s reach truck Tergo® has been nominated for the IFOY Award – International Forklift Truck of the Year. The IFOY Award is presented in four categories and recognises the best new forklift and warehouse trucks of the year, as well as a successful system solution. In June we will know who the winner is.
New award with four categories
The award is all new and IFOY is an independent non-profit organisation that assesses solutions and equipment objectively. The organisation has the mission to engage in activities in order to assess outstanding technical and strategic achievements in intralogistics, and to generate stimuli for innovation. The award is presented in four categories – best new forklift and warehouse trucks, as well as a successful system solution. Atlet’s reach truck Tergo has been nominated in the Warehouse Trucks class. “We are very happy to see that our efforts in designing trucks together with users are paying off. We hope our Tergo will reach all the way to the top, but competition is tough,” says Jan Callderyd, Product Manager for Reach Trucks at Atlet AB.
Tergo® UMS nominated in the Warehouse class
An operator moves his arm 1,000 times per hour and his head 2,000 times, so it is understandable that ergonomics make a difference to warehouse productivity. For that reason the Tergo® has been developed alongside the operators. The design is built on extensive ergonomic studies into understanding what causes strain injuries and how to design a truck that eliminates these problems. When Chalmers University of Technology did a comparative evaluation study on reach trucks, they concluded that “the Atlet Tergo forklift offered more ergonomic working postures than the other forklifts”. Several patents are pending from Tergo innovations: the Dynamic Cornering Control that enables a high, safe cornering speed, and ASR which assures traction in slippery conditions are two of them. “Atlet has a strong history in truck ergonomics. Our previous reach truck was pioneered through extensive ergonomic studies, and with our new Tergo we have taken this a step further. In June we will know if will take us all the way,” Jan Callderyd continues.
The IFOY test
The IFOY test is based on the Andersom Test, which over 300 different forklift and warehouse trucks have undergone, leading to the biggest comparison database of independent test data in Europe. The IFOY test compares not only the various entered trucks, but also the innovative quality of each truck with that of comparable devices on the market.
All nominated trucks undergo testing based on a test protocol comprising measurable and soft factors. The test parameters include cost effectiveness and energy efficiency, sustainability, safety, ergonomics and design. The winners of the International Forklift Truck of the Year Award are selected by a jury made up of internationally reputed trade journalists and Europe’s leading logistics media. The IFOY Award will be presented in cooperation with the world’s leading fair for intralogistics, Deutsche Messe AG/CeMAT, in June 2013.
More and more companies realise the direct connection between good ergonomics and good business. With the introduction of Ergologic, the Swedish truck manufacturer Atlet offers reach truck operators a new possibility to effectively control all on-board hydraulic functions with minimal strain. Ergologic complements Atlet's new Tergo range – the world's most ergonomic reach trucks – and is a big leap towards improved ergonomics and increased operational efficiency.
"Our customers expect greater uptime and efficiency from their trucks," says Jan Callderyd, Product Manager at Atlet. "The operators are key for success, and by providing them with well-designed ergonomic tools like the new Ergologic, operational efficiency can easily be increased and secured."
Reach truck operators often spend their entire work shifts in the truck, where they perform intensive and repetitive movements with fingers and wrists. With poor ergonomics this easily leads to fatigue, stress, injury and – in the long run – reduced material handling efficiency. But renowned for ergonomic innovations – such as the stand-in stacker, the mini steering wheel and the floating armrest – Atlet took a new perspective on this issue and involved truck drivers in the product development process, right from the beginning.
"Instead of having users testing almost-finished prototypes we first interviewed them and studied their behaviour on site before we even started designing", says Jan Callderyd. "And their input guided our engineers and experts on the science of ergonomics throughout the whole design process, for example by participating in focus groups and user testing."
The design of the Ergologic joystick control considers the natural position and movements of the hand and fingers. Ensuring support for relaxed operations, the control allows the driver to handle it in a predetermined ergonomic way, without locking the hand into a static position. To avoid fatigue and increase efficiency, the driver can vary his or her hand position and control all hydraulic functions in the most intuitive way. Up to seven functions (including lifting, lowering, reaching and tilting) can be incorporated in one control and it fits drivers, whatever their hand size.
"We know that drivers tend to use more hydraulic functions simultaneously to increase their operational efficiency and safety," concludes Jan Callderyd. "Ergologic is designed to meet their demands and, together with the mini steering wheel and the innovative driver-centric design of our new Tergo reach trucks, this is definitely the new ergonomic benchmark in the truck industry."
An environmental study performed by Swedish truck manufacturer Atlet shows that the biggest share of a warehouse truck's impact on the environment is related to the use of the truck. From an environmental perspective, the production of the truck is less significant.
"Because warehouse trucks are mostly used indoors and thus are electrically powered, they are not always considered as having a major environmental impact", says Håkan Ek, Business Area Manager at Atlet AB. "But what is most striking with this study is how significantly the truck's ecological footprint is affected by way the truck is driven and by its serviceability."
The environmental study considers the truck's environmental impact throughout its complete life cycle and is performed according to the Eco Indicator 99 method. The study indicates that 66.8% of the truck's impact on the environment is connected to energy consumption during use, while transport related to servicing of the truck equates to 29.5%.
"Our own analyses show that energy consumption can vary by up to 50% between different drivers performing the same task", says Håkan Ek. "Our solution is to offer individual truck performance settings and follow-up of how the energy is being used."
Assisting customers with optimised warehouse layouts and driving distances is another area in which Atlet contributes to lowering truck energy consumption. For example, a simple measure like moving a printer within a warehouse has been proven to lower truck energy consumption by as much as 20%.
To function optimally, trucks demand regular maintenance that is performed on site. This means that a service technician must drive his van to the truck location each time servicing is required.
"If we consider operating economy as well as the environment, the top priority is to reduce the amount of travelling required for truck maintenance", says Håkan Ek. "That's why all Atlet trucks are designed as modular systems with a minimised number of spare parts, allowing the service technician to resolve at least 95% of all faults on the first visit."
Future technological advances, such as the transition from today's lead-acid batteries to alternative battery technologies, will benefit efficiency as well as the environment. But according to Atlet, the biggest and most promising method of reducing potential environmental impact still lies in fine-tuning daily operations.
"We are already testing alternative energy storage methods in our trucks", says Håkan Ek. "But if you are serious about lowering the total contribution of carbon dioxide emissions from your warehouse trucks, it is most important to focus on how the truck is used and maintained."
With the introduction of the new Presto PLP CD, we combine double-stacker efficiency with long-distance capacity. Standing safely on the operator platform, the operator conveniently handles two pallets per work cycle – all the way through the warehouse.
"Fitting perfectly into the loading/unloading and cross-docking segment, the new Presto PLP CD means we can offer our customers the best of two worlds in one truck", says Jan Callderyd, Product Manager at Atlet.
Featuring state-of-the-art technology such as a ProVision mast design, 5-point chassis with hydraulic Friction Force system and an AC drive motor with Anti-Rollback function, the new Presto PLP CD provides an ergonomic and safe working environment. Allowing for long travel distances and extended work cycles, the foldable operator platform has excellent damping, while the operator is protected by foldable protection bars. A variety of fixed platform options are also available.
"Ergonomics, safety and efficiency are our top priorities", says Jan Callderyd. And that's exactly what our customers expect from an Atlet truck.
Designed within Atlet's common component strategy, the Presto PLP CD is of modular construction and is largely based on pre-existing, proven components within the Atlet truck range. This maximises operational durability and contributes to market-leading up-time benefits for the customer.
Atlet technology for safety, ergonomics and efficiency
• Foldable operator platform with excellent damping enhances operator's safety and comfort. Also available with fixed operator platform
• Easily foldable protection bars
• Adjustable tiller arm to suit operators of all sizes (optional)
• Electric power steering for effortless handling (optional)
• Anti-Rollback function for safe handling on dock levellers
• Electrical proportional valve for smooth lifting and lowering controlled by rocker switch on the tiller head
• PIN code entry or Smart Card entry (optional) allows authorised use only
• ProVision mast design with off-centre lift cylinder optimises vision
• 5-point chassis with hydraulic Friction Force system for excellent stability and traction
• Up to 400-Ah battery on rollers for fast and convenient change
Specifications
Lift height: 1675 mm, straddle lift 210 mm
Lift capacity: 800 kg + 1000 kg or straddle lift 2000 kg
Width over forks: 560 mm
Drive speed: 10 km/h unloaded, 8 km/h loaded (6 km/h with protection bars in folded position)
Our new generation Tergo reach trucks is focusing on how to minimise operator fatigue and stress and are designed to be the most ergonomic trucks on the market.
Designed around the operator – by the operators
To enhance productivity, the operator environment of the new Atlet Tergo reach trucks is entirely designed around the operator. It's a complete ergonomic concept including a wide range of personal adjustments and innovations, allowing a strain-free, variable and inviting working environment. The product development also included a large commitment from the users.
"Our aim was to design the world's most personal truck. By involving the users from the very beginning of the project and then continuously soliciting their input, the operators had a profound impact on the final result", says Atlet's Product Development Manager Dan Ulmestrand.
No 1 in comparative ergonomic study by Chalmers
Ergonomics have been an Atlet hallmark since the early 1990s. Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg carried out a comparative ergonomic evaluation study. "The study compared the new Atlet Tergo with reach trucks from three other makes and showed that the Tergo offered more ergonomic working postures than the other reach trucks", says Dan Ulmestrand. "And of course, we are very pleased our hard work keeps paying off."
Expanded truck range for expanding markets
"Our goal is to take a stronger position within the market for warehouse trucks, and this launch of the new Tergo reach truck is securing our position as one of the leading suppliers of high performing quality trucks", says Keiji Ikeda, CEO at Atlet.
In Europe, reach trucks form the main force in most internal material handling operations – not least within food distribution. The new Tergo range is extended in both ends to meet the needs from a wide range of users.
"In Europe we meet the demands from intensive food distribution to stack higher, heavier and faster, as well as the requirements from new fast growing businesses in Eastern Europe who require a more basic reach truck but still with focus on the operator and the productivity", says Bengt Kristiansson Vice President Sales & Marketing at Atlet.
The lift and lowering action is now more precise on our PS series which, in combination with new lift cylinders on our free lift mast, allows not only for improved performance but also an enhanced working environment for the operator.
Thanks to a new technical solution we have replaced three components with one* thus adding a higher sensitivity when lifting and lowering. This new solution allows for a smoother and more precise way of working.
*the speed regulated lift motor is now controlled by a single Combi Controller doing the job of our HVC (Hydraulic Valve Controller), TMC (Traction Motor controller) and lift contactor
We have improved our unique Friction Force allowing increased drive wheel traction. This allows us to offer, via Custom Design, a higher speed for our stand on pallet truck PLP200. The PLP200 now runs in 12 km/h without load and 10 km/h with load. For warehouse operations this means increased productivity.
Autoliv has been developing safety for motorists for more than 50 years. It all started with seat belts. Nowadays the company also develops and manufactures airbags, whiplash protection, integrated child seats, control systems for airbags, and more. But how important is safety in the company's in-house work?
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Autoliv innovations and products have been protecting motorists since the 1950s. Safety is also at the heart of what the company does in-house - to safeguard deliveries in a tight production chain, and also to protect its staff.
When you have safety as a business concept, perhaps it is not that unusual to develop a tradition of prioritising the work environment and keeping work-related injuries to a minimum. – "Quite simply, how we view people is important. People are a crucial factor in our development and success," says Erik Tönsgård, Group Head for logistics development at Autoliv.
Autoliv has an active safety committee, and safety representatives who have a part to play in important decisions. No matter what the issue - procurement of equipment, rearrangement of flows or layout changes in the warehouse - all decisions are made with stringent work environment requirements in mind. These are deliberate measures that pay off, including when it comes to Swedish Work Environment Authority audits.
For Autoliv, safety is also part of guaranteeing production and deliveries. The company has a tight production chain with lots of goods passing through, short lead times and daily deliveries. What is completed today has to be sent out tomorrow.
"If anything goes down, production will stop within the hour"
These tight tolerances make materials handling a critical function at Autoliv. - "If anything goes down, production will stop within the hour," says Erik Tönsgård.
About a decade ago, this created a major logistical challenge for Autoliv. At that time, the company had an automated system with narrow aisle trucks, a kind of hoisting crane on rails which could not be moved or modified. This was a risk factor when it came to delivery reliability.
Autoliv collaborated with Atlet to come up with a more flexible solution, with free-moving sit-on stackers. These could be moved around between various applications as required, and their design was adapted to suit Autoliv's own specific requirements.
First of all, Autoliv needed trucks which could travel particularly quickly on antistatic flooring. They were also customised to allow faster, easier battery changes. Finally, the sit-on stackers were also fitted with special seats which were designed to provide the right ergonomic conditions for long periods of use.
The sit-on stackers selected also included a unique innovation from Atlet, S3, which prevents the stackers from overturning. The technical solution adapts the speed automatically according to the angle of the steering light, and the height and weight of the load. This ensures that the stacker moves at the right speed while maintaining maximum safety.
The main feature of the company's partnership with Atlet is personal relations. For example, Atlet service engineer Anders Benjaminsson is a key person in Autoliv's operations.
"Anders knows everyone here and is very familiar with what we do. He knows what demands we face in terms of tight lead times and so forth."
"We have been working with Anders for as long as I have been at Autoliv, so for at least five years. He knows everyone here and is very familiar with what we do. He knows what demands we face in terms of tight lead times and so forth. He gives us great help fast if any problems arise," explains Erik Tönsgård.
Nils Engelbrektson from Atlet is another valuable resource for Autoliv. He acts as a sounding board and as a source of knowledge and new approaches. "When we were renovating the warehouse a couple of years ago, we were able to discuss appropriate walkway widths with Nils in relation to the spaces for pallets so that we could use the available space as effectively as possible. We have also been able to ask for his advice with regard to driving licences for various types of trucks," says Erik Tönsgård.
These good relations create security and continuity, all helping to ensure that Autoliv is able to maintain high levels of delivery precision and reliability.
Would you also like a personal partner who can advise you on your materials handling?
Contact your local Atlet representative.
The interplay between truck and driver is one of the key aspects of a well-functioning goods handling process. Comfort and personalised settings are therefore our new counterbalance truck’s greatest assets. In the new Balance EH, the ergonomically designed seat will allow you to be as relaxed as if you were driving your car and the performance can be adjusted to suit your driving ability.
The new counterbalance truck from Atlet, Balance EH, provides a successful combination of the sense of being in a car as well as excellent reliability. Finger tip controls and guide wheel synchronisation create a relaxed and ergonomic driver position. A top quality chair and load damping system make the most uneven floors feel even. And we have reduced the energy consumption by installing the latest A/C technology in the engine, as well as integrating new controls and regenerative braking.
Keep reading or go straight to your country-specific site: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK or USA.
Atlet EH is a very capable truck designed to handle most situations. With a speed of 21km/hr (13 miles/hour) it’s one of the fastest forklifts on the market – thus making it even more efficient over longer distances.
But not all people can handle high speeds. That’s why the performance of the Balance EH can be adjusted depending on who’s driving – whether beginners or more advanced drivers. PIN codes are part of the standard package and enable personal settings to be entered for top speed, acceleration, lift/tilt speed and regenerative braking.
As one of the most modern trucks on the market, EH Balance naturally provides a smart display with easy diagnosis enabled through the use of error codes. This display is conveniently located in front of the seat.
With quick access to all diagnostics equipment you don’t need special tools or computers.
Guide wheel synchronisation: The guide wheel synchronisation means that the driver will always be seated in an ergonomic position. The steering knob will always end up at 9 o’clock, before and after the driver has turned.
Load damping system: This new factory elective makes the handling of fragile goods much safer. A sophisticated system with double hydraulic accumulators reduces the oscillations that occur in the hydraulic system when driving on uneven surfaces, which in turn reduces the vibration transmitted to the load and the driver.
Fingertip control: Fingertip control has long been an appreciated feature on our other Balance trucks and is now also available for EH. Together with the adjustable arm rest, it ensures an ergonomically correct position for all drivers.
Do you work in front of a computer? Then try to imagine that you are left-handed, but must hold the mouse to the right of the keyboard. Also, there's no support for your arms. Lastly, imagine the screen placed somewhere by your left shoulder, and you have to turn your head in order to read this. How does that feel? That's how forklift truck operators have been working for years, several hours a day – until Atlet invented the mini steering wheel.
Atlet's mini steering wheel prevents forklift truck operators developing strain injuries. It also enables truck operators previously on sick leave to return to work. How does it do that? We added a movable arm rest, moved the steering wheel closer to the body and made it small and easy to manoeuvre, kind of like a computer mouse.
The steering wheel of a forklift truck is subjected to thousands of turns ever day. The old large wheel design and positioning meant that operators' shoulders, necks and wrists were exposed to considerable strain. In reach trucks and sit-on stackers, moreover, the operator sits at a 90-degree angle to the direction of driving, which creates even more strain.
A forklift truck operator's daily routine is physically demanding. What Atlet wants and can contribute with is the best ergonomic solutions possible so that forklift truck operators can carry out their work efficiently without harm to the body.
The mini steering wheel enables more natural movement, while reducing the strain on the body. The operator's arm is constantly supported, the wrist is kept straight and the hand rests gently above the steering wheel. Turning the head to the side is easier, too.
The mini steering wheel was invented back in the 1980s. In consultation with physicians and occupational therapists, Atlet then developed proposals for reducing the strain on forklift truck operators. The result was a completely new forklift truck model – Tergo®. That model is no longer manufactured, but the mini steering wheel lives on as an ergonomic success in Atlet's reach trucks and sit-on stackers.
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